What Makes A Good Thriller Opening?

• Something unexpected
• Clues to other parts of the story
• Something unusal happening which makes you want to know more

This lesson we looked at and analysed the thriller film Leon, made in 1994


Describe the camera movement and what it means:
Flying forward through city - a kind of establishing shot to show where the scene is located. During the end scene the camera movement is very quick - emphasizing the panic that the man is feeling when he is being terrorized by Leon. Tracking people showing their importance to the story.

Describe the types of shot used including close ups:
Close ups of Leon and the restaurant owner during their discussion. only focuses on one part of their face to conceal their identity as well as show them to be intimidating. Close up on the glass of milk - thought to be an innocent drink but the toughness of Leon is reinforced when he 'downs' it in one.

What props or objects are used and why?
a glass of milk - innocent drink but Leon drinks it in one gulp.
case of cocaine - showing what the source of the trouble is (drug businesses)
cigarettes - again showing that Leon is a tough guy

Describe the camera angles:
Mostly midshots. High angle shots looking down the stairs and low angle shots looking up the stairs. close ups on faces to show expressions.